Annette Fath-Lihic is a Senior Program Manager at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. She is an expert on electoral issues and policy in post-crisis areas and previously served as a policy advisor to the EU Special Representative in Kosovo. Before joining a Zócalo Public Square/Democracy International event at the City Hall in Donostia-San Sebastian in the Spanish Basque Country, she discussed Kosovo restaurants, the joys of Stockholm, and reading a Snow White book every night.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Kosovo?
If it still exists—it was six years ago that I was there—a place called Cuba.
What does it take to get you on the dance floor?
Music.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Stockholm, where would we be likely to find you?
Outside. Because sunny days are not all the time in Stockholm. I have a 4-year-old daughter, so you would find me on the playground. Or the cemeteries—Swedes use cemeteries for picnics and gatherings.
When were you most frightened?
I’ve lived in many conflict-torn places and when people were shooting I got scared. But when people become nasty and afraid, when there is betrayal, it’s these moments that are frightening—and that can happen in very nice environments.
What superpower would you most like to have?
The power to change the world, for world peace.
What dessert do you find impossible to resist?
Chocolate.
Who was your childhood hero?
Winnetou [a fictional Native American hero of several novels written in German by Karl May, 1842-1912] when it was popular. I was always on the side of the Indian.
What is the last habit you tried to kick?
To not be such a workaholic.
What’s the last book you read?
Very sad question—I love books but never have time. The last book I read was the one I read every night, about Snow White, to my daughter.